Key Points

• What is a Security Guard? A security guard is a trained professional who protects property, assets, and people by monitoring, patrolling, and enforcing rules to prevent crime and ensure safety.
• How to become a Security Guard in South GgCarolina? To become a security guard in South Carolina, you must first be hired by a licensed security company. Your employer will then sponsor you for registration with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which includes passing a 4-hour training course and a state and federal background check.
• Length of training for Security Guard: The state-mandated training is a 4-hour "Primary Basic" course, though some providers offer an 8-hour expanded version.
• Average Security Guard salary in South Carolina: The average salary for a security guard in South Carolina is approximately $36,738 per year.

What is a Security Guard? What does a Security Guard do?

A security guard, or security officer, is a vital frontline professional responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment. Their primary role is to deter, detect, and report incidents such as theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access.

Daily duties often include:

• Patrolling and inspecting property to protect against fire, theft, and other hazards.
• Monitoring surveillance cameras and alarm systems.
• Controlling access for employees, visitors, and vehicles at entry points.
• Responding to emergencies, such as medical issues or safety threats, and coordinating with police or fire departments.
• Writing detailed daily activity logs and incident reports.
• Enforcing property rules and providing assistance to visitors.

Where Do Security Guards Work?

Security guards work in diverse settings, including:

• Corporate Offices and Banks: Monitor access points and ensure staff safety.
• Retail Stores and Shopping Malls: Prevent shoplifting and provide crowd control.
• Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Protect patients, visitors, and medical staff.
• Educational Institutions: Keep campuses safe for students and teachers.
• Government Buildings: Enforce security protocols and screen visitors.
• Airports and Transportation Hubs: Manage screening processes and secure luggage areas.
• Event Venues and Stadiums: Handle crowd control and prevent disruptions during large events.

Requirements to Become a Security Guard in South Carolina

To become a licensed unarmed security guard in South Carolina, you must meet the standards set by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

• Age: Be at least 18 years old (21+ to be an armed guard).
• Education: Have a high school diploma or a GED.
• Employment: You must be hired by a SLED-licensed security company. The company sponsors your registration.
• Background Check: Pass a state and federal criminal background check. You cannot have any felony convictions or convictions for crimes of moral turpitude.
• Drug Test: Pass a drug screening.
• Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident alien.

How to Become a Security Guard in South Carolina

1. Meet Basic Requirements and Get Hired

Before you can be trained, you must be hired. Focus on meeting the prerequisites: be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, and have a clean criminal record. Apply for unarmed security officer positions with SLED-licensed security companies in your area. Once a company extends a conditional offer of employment, they will begin the licensing process for you.

2. Enroll in a SLED-Approved Training Class

Your new employer will enroll you in the state-mandated "Primary Basic" training course. This is a 4-hour class taught by a SLED-certified instructor. The course covers essential topics like legal authority, report writing, emergency procedures, and patrol techniques. Some companies or training schools may offer an expanded 8-hour version.

3. Earn Your SLED Registration (Certification)

After you complete the 4-hour course, your employer will submit your application, fingerprints, and proof of training to SLED. SLED processes your application and background check. Upon approval, you will be issued an official SLED Security Officer Registration, which is the "guard card" or license that allows you to legally work as a security officer in South Carolina.

How to Get a Security Guard Certification in South Carolina?

You do not get certified on your own. Your security company must apply for your certification (registration) from SLED after you have completed the company-sponsored 4-hour training course.

4. Apply for Security Guard Jobs

Since you must be hired to get licensed, this step is part of the initial process. However, once you have your SLED registration, you can use it to apply for other security jobs if you choose to change employers. You can use resources like MyNextMove.org to find security job openings. On MyNextMove, search for "Security Guards" to see the local job market, common tasks, and required skills.

How to Get a Security Guard Job in South Carolina?

To get your first job, search online job boards for "Unarmed Security Officer" and "Security Guard" in South Carolina. Highlight your reliability, customer service skills, and clean background on your resume. Be prepared to interview and pass a background check and drug test as a condition of employment.

5. Advance Your Education and Skills

Once you are a registered officer, you can advance your career. You can take additional SLED training to become an Armed Security Officer (which requires being 21+ and passing extra firearms training). You can also pursue industry certifications in areas like CPR/First Aid, crisis intervention, or specialized surveillance, all of which can lead to higher pay and supervisory roles.